What to Watch for Tonight
Boogie Goes Off
DeMarcus Cousins has handled the Lakers this season. In two games, Cousins is averaging 29.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 three-pointers made, 2.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game in 35.5 minutes a night. The Lakers lack a player that can match-up one on one against Boogie, so do not be surprised to see the big man pull in another big double-double with plenty of peripheral stats tonight in Los Angeles.
Secondly, Boogie needs to keep himself in check tonight. He cannot go off on an official or Lakers’ player because he is once again one technical foul away for a one-game suspension. He received technical foul number 17 in Sunday’s game against New Orleans, so Boogie needs to keep it under control and let his play do the talking tonight.
Darren Collison: Option Number 2
When Rudy Gay had his season ending injury, the Kings needed someone to step up and fill Rudy Gay’s role as the number two scoring option on the team.
Enter Darren Collison who is playing great and picking up the slack with the plethora of injuries Sacramento currently faces. Collison has scored over 20 points in each of his three games and has boosted his assist and steal totals since the injury. The Kings need Darren Collison to continue to fill that role and play well if they have a chance to make the playoffs this season.
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Expect Collison to have a big game tonight. If Ty Lawson is out, Collison will receive 40 plus minutes and should produce a big statistical line given his role and the Lakers defensive struggles. Be on the lookout for lots of Darren Collison tonight.
Ending the Road Woes
The Kings have struggled on the road this season. They have a record of 11 wins and 17 losses on the road this regular season. They have, also, lost their last two road games and have won just four of their last ten road contests. I could continue to pull stats, but let me just cut to the chance, the Kings have struggled on the road all season long.
Sacramento has a great chance to end those woes and defeat the Lakers tonight. The Kings blew them out in the last meeting and are riding high on their current winning streak. Throw in, the Lakers struggles in guarding Boogie Cousins and the Kings should be victorious tonight.